Camera based video games and related methods for exercise motivation

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for motivating persons to undertake exercise, employing camera based computer monitoring of persons and/or exercise apparatus, and displays of video data, which may be derived from such monitored information.

1. A method for assisting a person undertaking an exercise program comprising the steps of:
 providing a computer model of at least a portion of the body of said person; 
 electro-optically monitoring, during exercise, at least one point on said person's body which is affected by said exercise; 
 using said monitored point, determining a change in said computer model; and 
 dynamically providing information concerning said change to said person while said person is still exercising. 
 
   
   
     2. A method according to  claim 1  wherein an image derived from said changed model is displayed to said person. 
   
   
     3. A method according to  claim 2 , wherein said image is a 3D image. 
   
   
     4. A method according to  claim 1 , including the further step of considering medical data concerning said person in providing said information. 
   
   
     5. A method according to  claim 1 , including the further step of monitoring a heart rate of the person while exercising and providing information relating thereto to said person. 
   
   
     6. A method according to  claim 1 , including the further step of transmitting said information from a remote location over the internet. 
   
   
     7. A method according to  claim 6 , wherein said information includes motivational or instructional messages to said person. 
   
   
     8. A method according to  claim 1 , where said information is provided in response to said person's actions during said exercise. 
   
   
     9. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said information includes computer generated motivational or instructional messages to said person. 
   
   
     10. A method according to  claim 1 , in which said information concerns the safety of said person. 
   
   
     11. A method according to  claim 1 , further including the step of modifying said information provided at a future time as a result of a change in said monitored exercise by said person.